[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 13 (Monday, January 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E86]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2008

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
honoring the contributions of Catholic schools as we celebrate Catholic 
Schools Week.
  I want to recognize both the teachers and administrators of Catholic 
schools across America who devote their lives to providing students 
with a strong moral and academic foundation.
  Catholic institutions prepare 2.3 million young men and women for 
college and many of these students participate in volunteerism and 
other programs that help to improve the community.
  The benefits of a Catholic education go far beyond the classroom. The 
moral and intellectual growth fostered in America's Catholic schools 
prepare our young men and women with a sense of social responsibility 
that lasts a lifetime.
  I know firsthand the positive value that a Catholic education can 
have in an individual's development. My wife and I are both products of 
Catholic schools and we chose to send our two children to Catholic 
schools based on the significant impact Catholic instruction has had in 
each of our lives.
  It is with great pleasure that I stand before the House of 
Representatives and the American people today to commend the dedication 
of Catholic schools to the academic excellence of our young men and 
women.

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